Assistant Headteacher

Full Job Description

Work Smarter. Live Better. Join the 4-Day Working Week!

Job Title:  Assistant Headteacher
Salary:     Up to £56,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata)
Location: New Barn School, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 8HZ
Hours:      40 hours per week | Monday–Friday
Rota:        8:30am–4:30pm (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri) | 8:30am–5:00pm (Wed)
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:        February 2026
UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, giving you 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay*.

Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW, and others will soon join in. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG!

About the Role

New Barn School, part of Options Autism, is seeking an inspiring, compassionate and driven Assistant Headteacher to help shape the future of our pupils and our school.

Working in close partnership with the Headteacher, you will play a pivotal role in both strategic leadership and the day-to-day life of the school. You will help create an environment where every child feels safe, supported and empowered to thrive — academically, socially and emotionally.

This is more than a leadership role; it is an opportunity to make a genuine and lasting difference for children and young people with additional needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop an innovative curriculum tailored to pupils with SEMH and complex needs
• Drive assessment, progress and outcomes through effective, data-informed practice
• Champion positive behaviour, wellbeing and pastoral care, promoting a calm and nurturing culture
• Inspire, coach and develop staff through high-quality professional development and mentoring
• Provide visible, confident leadership that positively shapes school culture and expectations
• Build strong partnerships with families, professionals and the wider community to broaden pupil opportunities

Who We’re Looking For

You will be a passionate and resilient leader with the energy, empathy and experience to motivate others and drive meaningful change. You will bring:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent
• A full UK driving licence
• Proven experience in middle or senior leadership within education
• A strong track record of raising standards and improving outcomes
• Excellence as a classroom practitioner across multiple key stages
• Strong communication, organisation and people leadership skills
• A deep commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and pupil wellbeing

If you’re ready to take the next step in your leadership journey and make a real difference where it matters most, we’d love to hear from you.

About Us

New Barn School, part of Options Autism, provides inclusive, nurturing education for autistic children and young people with complex needs across three sites. We deliver personalised learning, therapeutic support, and vocational opportunities tailored to each pupil’s Education, Health and Care Plan. Pupils learn in small, supportive settings that promote confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing. Built on strong partnerships with families, New Barn empowers every learner to thrive and prepare for life beyond school.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
  • Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
  • Hundreds of UK and international discounts
  • Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
  • Critical illness cover
  • Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

*Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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